School Board Member and Newspaper Publisher, School District Bookkeeper, Reporter Charged with Revealing Grand Jury Information
October 28, 2023
An Escambia County, Alabama School Board member, who is a weekly newspaper owner and publisher, one of her reporters and a school board bookkeeper, were arrested Friday on charges related to allegedly revealing grand jury secrets.
Sherry Digmon, 72, the District 6 school board member, school district bookkeeper Veronica “Ashley” Fore, and reporter Donald Eugene Fletcher, 69 were all released on bond after being booked into jail on charges of revealing grand jury information.
Digmon is co-owner and publisher of The Atmore News which reported October 25 that the local district attorney was investigating COVID funds paid to school system employees. The paper also revealed that Digmon’s phone and that of another school board member had been seized under a search warrant. Both had recently voted against renewing an employment contract with Superintendent of Education Michele McClung.
Pictured top: Sherry Digmon Donald Eugene Fletcher, Veronica “Ashley” Fore.
Driver Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Fatal Munson Highway Crash
October 28, 2023
Christopher Shane Ammons, 49, was traveling north on Munson Highway and turning into a private driveway just north of Lawler Lane when the crash happened Saturday morning.
As Ammons was turning, troopers said a a car traveling north behind Ammons on the roadway attempted to pass his truck, resulting in the collision.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the front of his pickup truck collided with the passing car driven by a 22-year old Milton man about 10 a.m. Saturday, causing the car to leave the roadway and overturn. The driver was partially ejected and pronounced deceased on the scene. Two other 17-year old passengers in the car received minor injuries.
Ammons was charged with DUI manslaughter and booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail without bond.
Thousands Participate In Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
October 28, 2023
Thousands of people took part in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in downtown Pensacola Saturday morning.
An estimated 10,000 people took part in the walk, many walking to honor loved ones fighting breast cancer or those that have lost their lives.
At last count Saturday, the event had raised $216,000.
Pictured: The Tate Lady Aggies Softball team took part in Saturday’s event.
Pictured: The Tate High School softball team and friends took part in Saturday’s walk. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are The Road Work Construction Spots To Watch Next Week
October 28, 2023
Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.
Escambia County:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) Escambia County Welcome Center – The truck parking lot at the Escambia County Interstate 10 Welcome Center, located at mile marker four, will be temporarily closed until the end of October as crews perform construction activities. The front and middle car parking lots are open.
- U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) Resurfacing between Henry Street and Cottage Street in Century – Northbound and southbound traffic on U.S. 29 (North Century Boulevard) is shifted to one outside travel lane in each direction between Rudolph Street and Green Street. The shift will be in place through the end of the year as crews perform drainage improvements. Signage will be in place to safely direct drivers through the work zone.
- Lillian Highway (State Road (S.R.) 298) Resurfacing from north of U.S. 98 to east of Fairfield Drive (S.R. 727) and Lillian Highway at Blue Angel Parkway (S.R. 173) – Drivers will encounter daytime lane closures, between U.S. 98 and Blue Angel Parkway, Monday, Oct. 30 through Friday, Nov. 3 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. as crews perform concrete work. In addition, drivers will encounter nighttime lane closures, between Fairfield Drive and Blue Angel Parkway, Sunday, Oct. 29 through Thursday, Nov. 2 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as crews perform paving work.
- County Road (C.R.) 4 over Canoe Creek Bridge – C.R. 4, between Byrneville and Bratt, will be closed through fall 2024 as crews replace the Canoe Creek bridge. Traffic is directed through a 5.6-mile detour using Bratt Road to Pine Barren Road, then back to C.R. 4.
- Scenic Highway (U.S. 90), from north of I-10 to Davis Highway - Northbound traffic, between Pelican Lane and Scenic Ridge Drive, is shifted to the inside so crews can perform construction activities. The shift will remain in place until the work on the shoulder is completed. During construction, one lane of traffic will remain open in each direction and left turns will be permitted.
- U.S. 98 (Garden Street) Coring Operations from I Street to B Street – Drivers may encounter alternating lane closures Monday, Oct. 30 through Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for coring operations.
Santa Rosa County:
- U.S. 90 Bridge Replacement over Simpson River - The outside (right) lane of U.S. 90 eastbound on the Simpson River Bridge will be closed Tuesday, Oct. 31 through Thursday, Nov. 2 from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. as crews place concrete for the new bridge. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is 35 mph throughout the work zone.
- U.S. 98 Widening from Bayshore Road to Portside Drive – Motorists will encounter the following traffic impacts:
- Median and turn-lane closures from Bayshore Road to Tiger Point Drive.
- Intermittent lane closures and additional median closures between Tiger Park Lane and Bayshore Road Sunday, Oct. 29, through Friday, Nov. 3, from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. for stormwater drainage improvements and paving operations.
- Access to Redfish Point Road from U.S. 98 will remain closed to allow for noise wall construction activities. Motorists will be redirected via Southwind Drive. Detour signs will be in place.
- I-10 Bridge Rehabilitation over C.R. 191 Garcon Point Road Bridges – Motorists will encounter nighttime eastbound lane closure west of exit 26 Sunday, Oct. 29 to re-install rumble strips on the shoulder.
All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather
Cold Front To Bring Colder Temps This Week
October 28, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
This Afternoon: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Monday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 51. North wind around 10 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 33. North wind around 10 mph.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 66. East wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 39.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 71.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 76.
One Shot in Atmore, Police Develop Person of Interest
October 27, 2023
One person was shot Thursday evening in Atmore, and police say they have developed a person of interest in the case.
About 5:45 p.m. Thursday, the Atmore Police Department responded to Atmore Community Hospital where a victim was suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound. They later located the crime scene in the 100 block of Brooks Lane. Police said a person of interest has been developed, but names were not released.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
2023 SEC Women’s Soccer Tournament Brackets Announced For Ashton Brosnaham Park Beginning Sunday
October 27, 2023
Last year, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s soccer team won the SEC Championship at Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park, taking the cherished trophy home to Downtown Columbia. This year, 10 nationally ranked Southeastern Conference soccer teams will be competing for the title on the newly sodded pitch at Ashton Brosnaham. This year’s teams will also be the first to enjoy the new $2.7 million locker room facilities.
“This is so exciting for Pensacola to be able to host this storied tournament again,” said Pensacola Sports President Ray Palmer. “Now that the brackets have been released, there is an excitement building all over. And we can’t wait for the teams to experience the new locker room facilities — they are a game changer.”
Ten nationally ranked Southeastern Conference soccer teams will be competing for the SEC Championship title from Sunday, Oct. 29, through Sunday, Nov. 5, at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in Pensacola, Fla.
Tickets are on sale here. All-tournament passes are $40. Individual session tickets for first round, quarterfinals and semifinals are $12 for adults and $7 for students/military. Tickets for the championship game on Sunday, Nov. 5, are $17 for adults and $12 for students/military. Taxes and service fees are included in the listed ticket prices. Kids 12 and under wearing a soccer jersey get in free with a paying adult on Sunday, Oct. 29, and on Tuesday, Oct. 31. A clear bag policy is in effect for this event. Free admission for children 4 and under at all games. Tournament pass sales end at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 27.
Join in the fun on Championship game day, Nov. 5, at the free Fan Fest from 11 a.m. until halftime of the championship game. There will be music, food trucks and interactive activities for all ages to enjoy.
This is the second year that Pensacola will host the tournament. Pensacola first hosted the tournament in 2022 and set SEC records for attendance. The city is scheduled to host through 2024 with an option to extend the agreement through 2026.
Over the last six years, the SEC has earned 44 NCAA Tournament bids – an average of more than seven per year – with all 14 member institutions making at least two appearances during that span. Eight different SEC teams have advanced to the Round of 16 since 2013 and the league has placed teams in the NCAA quarterfinals in each of the last nine seasons.
Last year, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s soccer team won the SEC Championship at Ashton Brosnaham Athletic Park, taking the cherished trophy home to Downtown Columbia. This year, 10 nationally ranked Southeastern Conference soccer teams will be competing for the title on the newly sodded pitch at Ashton Brosnaham. This year’s teams will also be the first to enjoy the new $2.7 million locker room facilities.
“This is so exciting for Pensacola to be able to host this storied tournament again,” said Pensacola Sports President Ray Palmer. “Now that the brackets have been released, there is an excitement building all over. And we can’t wait for the teams to experience the new locker room facilities — they are a game changer.”
Ten nationally ranked Southeastern Conference soccer teams will be competing for the SEC Championship title from Sunday, Oct. 29, through Sunday, Nov. 5, at Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in Pensacola, Fla.
Tickets are on sale here. All-tournament passes are $40. Individual session tickets for first round, quarterfinals and semifinals are $12 for adults and $7 for students/military. Tickets for the championship game on Sunday, Nov. 5, are $17 for adults and $12 for students/military. Taxes and service fees are included in the listed ticket prices. Kids 12 and under wearing a soccer jersey get in free with a paying adult on Sunday, Oct. 29, and on Tuesday, Oct. 31. A clear bag policy is in effect for this event. Free admission for children 4 and under at all games. Tournament pass sales end at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 27.
Join in the fun on Championship game day, Nov. 5, at the free Fan Fest from 11 a.m. until halftime of championship game. There will be music, food trucks and interactive activities for all ages to enjoy.
This is the second year that Pensacola will host the tournament. shton Brosnaham first hosted the tournament in 2022 and set SEC records for attendance. shton Brosnaham is scheduled to host through 2024 with an option to extend the agreement through 2026.
SEC National Championship Competing Teams
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Auburn
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- LSU
- Mississippi State
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas A&M
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Friday Night Football Scoreboard
October 27, 2023
Here are Friday night football scores from across the North Escambia area:
FLORIDA
- Escambia 52, Tate 19
- Pine Forest 42, Washington 6
- Walton 46, Pensacola 0
- Jay 35, Wewahitchka 22
- Gulf Breeze at Navarre
- Pace 27, Milton 7
- Pensacola Catholic 56,West Florida 35
- Baker 32, Pike Liberal Ars 24
- BYE: Northvew
—
- Flomaton 41, Monroe County 28
- Fort Dale Academy35, Escambia Academy 22
- Escambia County 28, at Orange Beach 15
- T.R. Miller 47, St. Michael Catholic 44
- Excel 39, W.S. Neal 46
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Partly Sunny and Warm Weekend, Cold Front Early Next Week
October 27, 2023
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 83. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
Saturday Night: Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 60. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 83. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Light north wind becoming northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 52. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 58. Breezy.
Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36.
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 65.
Trunk Or Treats, Fall Festivals And More Planned Across The Area
October 27, 2023
Several Halloween and fall festival events are scheduled in the North Escambia area in the coming days.
Allen Memorial Methodist Men Pumpkin Patch
The Allen Memorial Methodist Men Pumpkin Patch in Cantonment is open from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1-6 p.m. on Sundays.
First Baptist Church of Beulah Pumpkin Patch
The First Baptist Church of Beulah’s Pumpkin Patch will be open October 9 through October 31. Hours are Sunday-Friday noon – 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Calvay Apostolic Pumpkin Patch
Calvary Apostolic’s pumpkin patch is open 7 days a week at 5591 Highway 29 in Molino through October 31. Photo booths and more, free admission. Monday-Friday, 4 p.m. until dark; weekends 10 a.m. until dark.
Jubilee Church Harvest Festival
Jubilee Church will host their annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 28th from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the church. There will be a hayride, inflatables, a rock wall, baseball and basketball challenges, ax throwing, face painting, horse rides, fun GLOW stations, cake walk, food trucks, Mr. Softie, snow cones, prizes, and plenty of candy!! Open to ages 18 and under. Admission is free; just bring a bag of candy to share! The church is located at 5910 North W. Street in Pensacola.
Oak Grove Baptist Fall Festival
Oak Grove Baptist Church will host their annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 28, from 5 p.m until 8 p.m. at the church. Free food, games, hayride, popcorn, snow cones, lots of candy. Western themed — wear your favorite Western attire. The church is located at 2600 Highway 99.
Aldersgate Methodist Church Fish Fry
Aldersgate Methodist Church in Molino will hold their Famous Fish Fry on Saturday, October 28, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. $10 for catfish or mullet, cole slaw, baked beans, hush puppies and a brownie. Drive-thru and take out available. Free iced tea with eat-in.
First Baptist Cantonment Harvest Festival
The First Baptist Church of Cantonment will hold their Harvest Festival on October 28 from 5-7 p.m. Candy bags, games, hayride and more. The church is located at 118 Morris Avenue in Cantonment.
Highland Baptist Church Community Fall Festival
Highland Baptist Church will host a Community Fall Festival, Sunday, October 29, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. There will be Trunk or Treat, games, prizes, boiled peanuts, bounce house and more. The church is located at 6240 Highway 95A North in Molino.
Pinewoods Presbyterian Church
Pinewoods Presbyterian Church will hold their annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 29, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will be square dancing, bouncy house, bingo, chili cookoff, games, hayride and more. Hotdogs, chips, dessert and drinks provided. The church is located at 2198 County Rd 297A in Cantonment.
Dogwood Park Baptist Church Trunk or Treat
Dogwood Park Baptist Church will hold a Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 29, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. There will be candy, games, trunk contest and prizes. The church is located at 3301 Highway 97 in Molino.
Tate Fall Baseball Halloween Game
The Tate Aggies Fall Baseball Halloween Game will be Monday, October 30. Truck or treat with the players at 5 pm. Exhbition game with the players in full costume at 6 p.m. $1 entry or bring a non-perishable food item. Chili, hot dogs and treats. Games and prizes between innings. Children wear your costumes.
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church Trunk or Treat
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church will host Trunk or Treat on October 31 from 6 p.m. until. The community is invited to join in the parking lot at 699 S. Hwy. 95-A, Cantonment, FL 32533.
Victory Assembly Fall Festival
Victory Assembly will host their annual Fall Festival on Tuesday, October 31, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will be food, games, wagon ride, hayride, CFA truck and more. The church is located at 1895 Victory Road in Cantonment.
Harvest Christian Center Candy in Cars
Harvest Christian Center will host Candy in Cars, a community wide candy palooza event, on Tuesday, October 31, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the church. The church is located at 1095 Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
Farmhill Fellowship Church Yard Sale
Farmhill Fellowship Church will have a yard sale Thursday, November 2 and and Friday, November 3, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Saturday, November 4, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. The church is located at 1251 Muscogee Road in Cantonment.
54th Annual Walnut Hill VFD Fish Fry
The 54th Annual Walnut Hill VFD Fish Fry will be held Saturday, November 4, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Walnut Hill Fire department, 7760 Highway 97 in Walnut Hill. Plates are availabe for $12 each. Fried or grilled catfish or grilled chicken, baked beans, cole slaw, homemade bread and homemade desserts. Door prizes drawing throughout the day.
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church Fall Festival
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church will hold their annual Fall Festival on Saturday, November 4, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. There will be food, face painting, Trunk or Treat, balloon animals, chili cookoff and more. A dessert auction will begin at 6 p.m. The church is located at 170 W Bogia Road in McDavid.
Pollard McCall JHS PTO Car Show
The Hugh J. White Fall Festival Car Show will be November 4 from 11 a.m until 2 p.m. at Pollard McCall Junior High School, 3975 Old Highway 31 in Brewton. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Food, entertainment, awards, open restrooms. $15 nonrefundable entry fee.
Byrneville’s Fall Festival
Byrneville’s Fall Festival will be held Thursday, November 9, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. An auction willl start at 7:15. There will be games, food, local vendors, haunted house and more. The festival will be held at Bryneville Elementary School located at 1600 Byrneville Road in Century.
Multi-Family Yard and Bake Sale
The 14th Annual Multi-Family Yard and Bake Sale at the Walnut Hill Christian School will be held Saturday, November 11, beginning at 7 a.m. Baby and children’s items, household items, dishes, decor and more. Baked goods will be available including homemade cakes, pies and cookies, breads, dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls and more. The school is located at 6990 Highway 97 in Walnut Hill.
Molino Fall Festival Harvest Market
Aldersgate Methodist Church, 6915 Hwy 29 in Molino will hold a Fall Harvest Market November 17-18 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Food, crafts, baked goods, vintage and Christmas items. To become a vendor, call (850) 587-3075.
Highland Baptist Church Craft Market
Highland Baptist Chuch will hold a Craft Market on Saturday, November 18, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. There will be arts and crafts, baked goods, and more. Booth spaces are available for $10, with set up at 8 a.m. All proceeds benefit a family in need at Christmas as well as Highland Youth Missions. For more information or to register, call the church at (850) 587-5174.